“It is not enough to know - you also have to apply. It is not enough to want - one must also do.”
These words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe represent the foundation of vocational training. However, they apply to not only the way apprentices should learn but also the trainers. Against this backdrop,
DUALpro arranged the first Ausbildung der Ausbilder (AdA) – International Trainer Meet on 15th July 2021 in collaboration with the German-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce.
The new online format, which brings together industrial trainers, instructors from vocational training institutes, and skilled university professors, was launched as the IGCC’s Vocational Education and Training Council initiative. Its objective: To provide trainers who have been certified with the AdA – International (Pedagogical Training of Trainers) with a platform to connect,discuss training best practices as well as challenges, and exchange about trends and developments in connection with vocational training. Additionally, the collaboration with other bilateral German chambers in the
region allows training experts to explore the topic through a more diverse and intercultural lens. Against this backdrop, the first AdA Trainer Meet emphasised the sharing of experiences on how seasoned AdA practitioners have managed to build upon the qualification over time. Lokesh Kumar of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, told participants how he reoriented the apprenticeship program for mechatronics technicians methodologically and didactically after completing the AdA – International (Full version) in 2017. By pursuing a holistic approach in training, he shifted his perspective from focussing predominantly on technical skills and knowledge towards looking at each apprentice’s different learning style. Consequently, a new didactic and methodical concept had to be created to implement the framework curriculum plan. “The result of this new approach speaks for itself,” said Mr. Lokesh. “My job became more fun, my goals as an instructor are more easily achieved, and the trainees understand the concept of complete action and thus do not hesitate to share feedback.” In applying the AdA methodology, he reported, both trainers and students were more motivated than ever before.
Milind Shrikhande of Endress+Hauser India Automation Instrumentation Pvt. Ltd.,Aurangabad, who got certified with the AdA – International (Full Version) in 2017,referred very strongly to how difficult it is and was to focus appropriately on the individual trainees. Earlier, he didn’t have such an extensive tool kit to react and actively work out solutions for tasks with the trainees.Therefore, it was important to him that the topic of the different learning target areas was also addressed in this discussion round.
After the pedagogical training situation,approaches and the positive change processes through new didactical and methodical approaches by the industrial partners, it was all the more interesting to hear how practical training and also theoretical knowledge transfer can be positively influenced in the classroom through the use of new learning-teaching methods. Sujit Paul, Instructor at Gedee Technical Training Institute (GTTI), Coimbatore, gave a vivid presentation on how it has helped them at the institute to look at their own approach to plan and deliver a lecture differently. Through new
didactic and methodological perspectives,he is now able to adapt more quickly with the appropriate situational strategies to motivate and handle the different learning styles of the students. Further, lesson plans were designed predominantly with a holistic approach, which initiated the transition of
his role from a lecturer approach toward that of a learning facilitator and mentor for the apprentices. As a positive consequence of this, trainees were more independent in finding solutions for tasks and problems as well as more open to trying out various approaches than they were before.
However, the meet did not only assess the changes brought by the AdA approach. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the field of vocational training was changed a lot. Especially in technical trades, it has
become challenging to conduct vocational training without hands-on activities. In the participants’ exchange, it became apparent how difficult it is to adapt existing methods to the new situation. Based on this, new ideas were exchanged, which methods have helped and which are no longer useful and should be adapted was also discussed amongst all. It was agreed to further deepen the discussion on this topic at the next meeting and work out solutions together as a working group. Thus, The AdA – International Trainer Meet showed everyone how important it is to exchange ideas and hear real case scenarios because it is important to know the successful implementation of the
didactic and methodical learning-teaching approaches.
If you would like to join the next AdA International Trainer Meet or explore what tools vocational training can be positively influenced, write to dualpro@indo-german.com. After all, it is as Goethe said: Don’t just want, do it.